Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

– Rent, “Seasons of Love”

One year ago today my brother in law left us forever. There are so many moments from this past year that I wish I could capture for him. I’m still so sad and angry that he has missed this year of life, and all the ones to come.

We just spent a week with his children.  His beautiful fearless daughter who is already a young woman with his daring spirit.  His charming rambunctious son who would melt your heart even as he’s putting one over on you. They are surviving and thriving, but I know they have missed him every minute of this year.

My mother in law is hands down the strongest woman I know, and has weathered this year with grace. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be for her.  And Wes, I know he has felt this loss keenly, and I feel so badly that there is nothing I can do to make it better for him.

We will always miss him, but I can only hope that the next 525,600 minutes will give us more moments to cherish and fewer of pain.